What is the Fate of the Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap When Used During Primary Palatoplasty?

Pedicled buccal fat pad flaps have more recently been applied to primary cleft palate reconstruction, and yet the integrity of the flap and the long-term impact on the palate has not yet been studied. This case study uses magnetic resonance imaging to evaluate the composition of the soft palate 5 years after the interpositional placement of bilateral pedicled buccal fat pad flaps during primary palatoplasty. Anatomical measures are used to quantify the flap and surrounding velopharynx using magnetic resonance imaging and three-dimensional computer technology, indicating that this surgical technique may have a lasting impact for children with cleft palate.

A Preliminary Study of Anatomical Changes Following the Use of a Pedicled Buccal Fat Pad Flap During Primary Palatoplasty.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the surgical impact of the pedicled buccal fat pad (BFP) flap on the levator veli palatini (LVP) muscle and surrounding velopharyngeal (VP) anatomy following primary palatoplasty using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Design: Observational, prospective.

Setting: MRI studies were completed at 3 different facilities.

Asymmetry and Positioning of the Levator Veli Palatini Muscle in Children With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to examine the differences in velopharyngeal dimensions as well as levator veli palatini (levator) muscle morphology, positioning, and symmetry of children with repaired cleft palate with velopharyngeal insufficiency (VPI), children with repaired cleft palate with complete velopharyngeal closure, and children with noncleft anatomy. Method Fifteen children ranging in age from 4 to 8 years were recruited for this study. Ten of the participants had a history of repaired cleft palate, half with documented VPI and the other half with velopharyngeal closure.

Variations in Velopharyngeal Structure in Adults With Repaired Cleft Palate.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine differences in velopharyngeal structures between adults with repaired cleft palate and normal resonance and adults without cleft palate.

Design: Thirty-six English-speaking adults, including 6 adults (2 males and 4 females) with repaired cleft palate (M = 32.5 years of age, SD = 17.

Current Controversies in Metopic Suture Craniosynostosis.

Metopic craniosynostosis is being reported with an increasing incidence and is now the second most common type of isolated suture craniosynostosis. Numerous areas of controversy exist in the work-up and management, including defining the diagnosis in the less severe phenotype, the association with neurodevelopmental delay, the impact of surgical treatment, and the applicability of various techniques and their timing on outcomes.

Management of midface maxillofacial trauma.

The management of midface trauma continues to challenge maxillofacial surgeons. The complex local anatomy and functional and cosmetic importance of the region make precise surgical correction and reconstruction essential to success.

Pediatric head injuries.

Head injuries in children are common, comprising more than half of all injuries sustained. The mortality and morbidity associated with traumatic head injury in children is staggering, and the cumulative effect of such on the pediatric and general populations is propagated through related health care measures and subsequent socioeconomic burden. The majority of deaths due to trauma in children are caused by brain injury.

Craniofacial and orbital dermoids in children.

Dermoid cysts are congenital lesions that commonly arise from nondisjunction of surface ectoderm from deeper neuroectodermal structures. They tend to be found along planes of embryonic closure. Classification by site is helpful for diagnostic planning and surgical treatment.

Mandibular coronoid hyperplasia in pediatric patients.

Bilateral coronoid hyperplasia is a relatively rare condition in the pediatric population and yet may be an unrecognized cause of limited mouth opening in children. There are multiple theories as to the causes of the hyperplasia, which include temporalis hyperactivity, hormonal stimulus, and genetic inheritance. The resulting excess growth of the coronoids results in impingement on the zygomatic processes leading to mandibular hypomobility.